Looking for a great air bed or inflatable mattress?

You've come to the right place!

We know how difficult it is to shop for an air bed, these days.

There are dozens of brands, various types of air mattresses  and so many different prices that you don’t know where to start.

Perhaps you are wondering whether you even need an air bed, at all.

And: how much should you spend?

Don’t worry, we are here to assist you.

In this comprehensive shopping guide, we will review & compare the best air beds and inflatable mattresses selling online today for a number of different uses, needs and types of bed.

To help you get what the answers you need fast, we’ll start with a quick list of the ten best air mattresses for most common needs.

Following the list, we dive into each mattress to discuss the pros, cons, technology, reliability and verified owner feedback.

On a phone? Use your thumb to scroll to the right.

It uses ComfortCoil technology to add durability and support to the mattress. There 40 air coils inside the mattress that distribute your weight evenly, especially around vulnerable areas like your lower back and shoulders.

It requires just a click to inflate. It takes around 4 minutes to get to full inflation. And when it’s no longer needed, it’s just as easy to deflate it and stow it away in the accompanying storage bag.

The queen size air mattress has a flocked top. So you don’t have to cover it with sheets unless you want to. For durability, it is made from a thick waterproof and puncture-proof material. The bottom is designed to grip the floor strongly such that the mattress does not slide.

Many say the pump was easy to use. You can even let out just a little air to soften the mattress or add a bit more to firm it up.

If you are looking for a new long-term air mattress for your own bedroom, the SoundAsleep Dream Series is a great choice.

With the Serta raised mattress, two pumps are working in tandem. The main pump is used to inflate or deflate the mattress in around 4 minutes. The secondary pump monitors the air bed’s pressure and inflates it automatically if it goes down below your preferred level.

So the mattress stays firm and supportive through the night.

Inside the mattress, there are 35 air coils. These ensure the mattress stays flat and rigid throughout, even with the combined weight of a couple sleeping on it.

You can choose to use sheets or leave the flocked surface bare. The mattress is comfortable either way.

Let your guests select their preferred comfort level with just the click of a button. There are three levels: medium, firm, and plush. The mattress automatically inflates or deflates depending on the selected setting.

Other features include a sure grip bottom to prevent sliding, raised height for traditional mattress-like luxury and comfort and a storage bag.

If you are looking for the best air bed for guests, I strongly recommend this one.

The Intex Pillow air mattress is perfect for sleepovers. It has a self-inflating electric pump that takes around 3 minutes to expand the mattress to its full size.

The mattress feels very sturdy. On top, vinyl beams provided solid support and ensured durability. The material used is 100% waterproof. The weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Because the surface is flocked, you don’t have to use sheets. There is even a built-in pillow. So the kids just need to plop down with some blankets, and they are good for the night. If you decide to use sheets, they tuck in snugly around the sloping edges.

The mattress is 16.5 inches high, so you don’t have to worry about the cold floor.

It comes with a carry bag for storage or carrying when traveling to a sleepover. There are two size options: twin and queen.

It contains a multi-layer flocked top that provides a plush sleeping experience which makes it perfect for guests, sleepovers or as a permanent air bed in your bedroom.

Because it is flocked, it is up to you whether you want to use sheets or not. If you use sheets, the ribbed sides are perfect for fitted sheets.

Back support is adequate. A thick 0.4mm PVC material beneath the soft top layer maintains the mattress’ rigid structure when inflated. Double stacked interior PVC fibers keep the mattress level even when you are sitting on the edge.

At 22 inches, the Etekcity mattress is much higher than most air mattresses. This adds to its real mattress feel and look.

When you no longer need the mattress, just deflate it using the electric pump and then pack it in the provided travel bag.

If you want an extra-tall inflatable bed for your guests, the Intex elevated Dura-beam air bed is a great choice.

It’s 22 inches high, making it look and feel like an actual bed.

It uses a powerful built-in electric pump to inflate the mattress in under five minutes. Inflating or deflating it just requires the turn of a dial. The same dial also sets different firmness levels.

You can also use an external electric or manual pump to fill up the mattress. This comes in handy if you want to travel with it or there is no power outlet nearby.

For support and durability, the mattress is made from strong polyester fibers that hold it rigid when inflated.

The top is flocked to provide a soft sleeping surface for your guests. And if you use fitted sheets, they fit snugly around the ribbed edges.

The queen-size mattress easily folds up to fit in a travel duffel bag. Use the bag when traveling or to save space in your guest room when it’s not in use.

If you are looking for an air bed for your kids, this is the best twin air mattress to buy.

The heavy-duty PVC material and electronically welded seams ensure the mattress can withstand all rough and tumble from kids.

A 4-inch safety cushion all-round the mattress keeps the kids safe at night. The top is not flocked, but the mattress includes a thick removable and washable pad that is soft and comfortable. You don’t have to use any sheets.

When the mattress is ready to use, the pump inflates it in just a minute. And when you want to pack it up, it deflates in a mere 15 seconds. You can then store it in the included storage bag.

A lot of parents buying this air mattress say it comes in handy when there are guests over and not enough beds for kids. Others carry it with them when visiting friends and family.

The weight limit is 150 pounds. So it’s ideal for a couple of toddlers and even older kids.

When shopping for a baby or toddler air bed, safety and comfort are extremely important.

For safety, the Shrunks inflatable air mattress security rail ensures your child stays on the mattress. Even if they move a lot at night, there is little danger of falling to the ground.

The mattress itself is built very low to the ground, just 9 inches high, to prevent any injury should they fall out.

Using the included JetAir electric pump, the mattress inflates to full capacity in 30 seconds. A soft flocked top provides a comfortable sleeping surface and prevents any squeaks when the child moves.

The materials used in the mattress are free of phthalates, Lead, and other toxic components.

The mattress is perfect for sleepovers. You can set two or three up just about anywhere in the house. It’s also great when you are traveling. It deflates to a compact size and easily fits in the included travel bag.

The top is flocked so there is no need for sheets. But you can still fit sheets under the inner mattress. This ensures the sheet don’t slip off at night.

The bed has a weight limit of 150 pounds. So your kid can keep using it until they are 4 to 6 years old.

If you are looking for something that will serve both as an air mattress and an inflatable sofa bed, we recommend this one.

It’s a queen size. It can sleep or sit two people.

The mattress is 26 inches high, making it feel like a real bed or sofa. You can use it in your living room, bedroom or when you go camping. It’s also perfect for college dorm rooms and apartments with limited space.

Setting it up is easy. It has two valves for faster inflation and deflation. But it does not come with a pump.

Several customers point out that the sofa bed is not exactly the most durable. So handle it with care. Don’t go beyond the weight limit and don’t use it as a raft in a swimming pool.

An outdoors-ideal air mattress needs to have an extra-tough base. It’s even better if it’s raised, the way the Coleman Airbed Cot is.

This not only prevents critters from crawling into your bed at night, but it also makes it easy to get in and out of bed.

The Queen-size Coleman Airbed rises to 22 inches above the ground. A battery-powered pump is included for inflating and deflating the bed. If you don’t have batteries on hand, you can also plug it in.

If you are looking for a low-cost multi-purpose air mattress, we recommend Intex’s Downy airbed. This airbed is so cheap you can buy multiple sets, if you are family camping, or hosting a big sleepover for kids.

The Intex Downy comes with one queen air bed, two inflatable pillows and a hand pump.

Each set can comfortably sleep two people. The maximum weight capacity is 600 pounds.

The pump, despite being manual, is very easy to use. Many customers say it takes just a few minutes to inflate the mattress to capacity. Deflation is even faster since you don’t need a pump.

A flocked top provides added comfort and can be easily cleaned.

The only downside - and this especially applies if you plan to use this mattress for camping - is the low height. 

 At only 8.75 inches thick, you may have to be extra cautious about critters and the cold. But it’s perfect for sleepovers, kids, guests or your own use.

Click a feature below to learn more about it.

Air mattresses fill many roles in your life, from camping out to serving as your permanent bed.

Click on a bed to learn more.